Teesside Airport being 'propped up' by the taxpayer? But this is no different to lots of services and infrastructure in the UK. Half the railways are now subsidised by the taxpayer but no-one suggests we close them down because they are a vanity project.
You might disagree with his logic but Houchen has managed to secure funding for the airport because it helps attract investment to this area, will help maximise the chances of industry moving to Teesworks, and the area in general, and offers a potential site to develop industry with a direct air link which has had some success already in getting Willis Aviation to move there.
People might disagree in not wanting their taxes to be spent on an airport and not see it as a route to achieving those benefits described above. But the whole concept of taxation is so the government has money to invest in services, products and infrastructure for the wider good and the airport is not unique in this respect.